✨🚆 “The Golden Circle” — Paris → London → Amsterdam

A first-timer’s fairytale route through Europe (Dirk-approved)

Dirk calls this route “The Golden Circle” — because if it’s your first time in Europe, these are the three cities that feel like stepping into postcards, movies, and history books… all in one trip. The best part? It’s simple to do, even if you’ve never traveled internationally before.

This guide is written for guests flying in from the U.S. (especially Ohio) and ending in Amsterdam—ready for the wedding, and an easy flight home afterward.

✈️ Step 1 — Fly from the U.S. to Paris

Best “easy” flight plan (especially from Ohio)

Most Ohio travelers will connect through a larger hub:

From Ohio

• Columbus (CMH), Cleveland (CLE), or Cincinnati (CVG) → connect via New York (JFK/EWR), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Washington D.C. (IAD), or Detroit (DTW) → Paris (CDG)

From major U.S. cities

• Direct or one-stop routes to Paris (CDG) are common from New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Boston, and more.

How long to stay in Paris

• Ideal: 3 nights / 2 full days

• If you want it calmer: 4 nights

• If you’re short on time: 2 nights still works if you focus on highlights

🗓️ Paris: Dirk’s Favorite Walk (with extra magic)

🥐 Option to start at Notre-Dame (adds ~20 minutes)

If you want to extend the storybook opening scene, begin at Notre-Dame and stroll along the Seine before you head toward the Louvre area.

🖼️ The “official” Dirk walk starts at the Louvre → ends at Arc de Triomphe

Start: The Louvre

The Louvre is not only one of the most famous museums on earth, it’s also a palace-turned-art-kingdom—home to the Mona Lisa and thousands of works that shaped history. Even if you don’t go inside, just seeing the courtyard and glass pyramid feels like Paris.

Next: Jardin des Tuileries

Walk straight into Jardin des Tuileries, where Parisian beauty feels effortless:

• Sit on the classic green chairs by the fountains

• Grab a cold drink from the little kiosks

• People-watch while surrounded by elegant architecture

Dirk once saw someone propose here—watching the moment unfold like a scene from a movie… not realizing that eight years later he’d be the one planning a proposal of his own. (Life has a funny way of writing sequels.)

Then: Place de la Concorde → Champs-Élysées

Between the gardens and the Arc, you’ll pass:

• Place de la Concorde (grand, historic, and wide open)

• The beginning of the Champs-Élysées, where you can shop, stroll, and do the very Parisian thing of seeing and being seen.

And yes—this is also where you may enjoy:

• A beautiful French meal

• And possibly the most expensive glass of wine or beer you’ve ever had (Dirk says the location comes with a price tag 😂)

Finish: Arc de Triomphe

The grand finale. Take photos, admire the size of it, and if you’re up for it—go up for views.

🗼 Bonus: Metro from Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower (easy!)

From Charles de Gaulle–Étoile (Arc de Triomphe), the simplest option is:

• Metro Line 6 direction Nation

• Get off at Trocadéro (best Eiffel views) or Passy / Bir-Hakeim (closer walk to the tower)

Dirk’s Eiffel Tower tip (this one matters!)

Visit the Eiffel Tower twice:

1. In daylight

2. After dark, when the lights sparkle like diamonds

That sparkling moment gives first-timers goosebumps—like the city is quietly saying: welcome to Europe.

🎨 Must-do neighborhood: Montmartre

Montmartre is the Paris you imagine:

• cobblestone streets

• artists and cafés

• romantic viewpoints

• Sacré-Cœur Basilica watching over the city

It feels like wandering through a painting—especially in the morning or late afternoon.

🏨 Paris hotel tips (easy, safe, convenient)

“Affordable luxury” (modern + reliable)

• citizenM (great for first-timers; usually excellent locations and reviews)

Other good areas to stay

• Le Marais (charming, walkable, great food)

• Saint-Germain-des-Prés (classic, beautiful, central)

• Latin Quarter (lively, historic, easy metro access)

🎢 Optional Day Trip: Disneyland Paris

If you have an extra day and want something light and fun:

• Disneyland Paris makes a simple day trip from the city.

Keep day trips minimal—Paris deserves time.

🚄 Step 2 — Paris (Gare du Nord) → London (St Pancras) by Eurostar

The simple version

• Depart: Paris Gare du Nord

• Arrive: London St Pancras International

• Book tickets on Eurostar’s official website 

• Typical journey: around 2 hours 15–30 minutes (the Channel Tunnel portion is a shorter segment within the full trip)

How early should you arrive?

Treat it like an airport:

• Arrive 60–90 minutes early (passport control + security + boarding).

Best seats to reserve

• For views & quiet: choose a seat away from doors (middle of the carriage)

• For groups: book a table (if available) so you can face each other

• If you get motion-sensitive: sit closer to the center of the train

🇬🇧 London: stay 2–4 nights (→and use our London walking blog!)

London is big, so give it time:

• Ideal: 3 nights / 2 full days

• Short but doable: 2 nights

• If you love history: 4 nights

For what to do, we recommend our dedicated post:

London Thames Walk: Tower Bridge → Big Ben (plus extra sights like Windsor Castle and pub tips).

🚄🌊 Step 3 — London → Amsterdam (three easy options)

Option A: 🚆 Eurostar (fastest and simplest)

• Direct trains run London → Amsterdam in around 4–5 hours on many dates.

• Book via Eurostar (official website).

• Same 60–90 min early arrival rule applies due to border controls.

Dirk’s vote for speed: the train.

Option B: ⛴️ Stena Line (most comfortable and a real experience)

If you want comfort and a “travel story”:

1. Take the train from London Liverpool Street to Harwich International

2. Walk to the terminal

3. Sail with Stena Line to Hoek van Holland (Dirk’s hometown!)

4. There are multiple sailings daily

5. Crossing time is around 6.5–7.5 hours depending on sailing

Dirk’s vote for comfort: Stena Line.

And once you arrive, you can use our blogs:

• Hoek van Holland (what to do, where to eat, history, beach)

• Amsterdam (day plans, food favorites, must-sees)

Option C: ✈️ Flight (easy, but “airport time” adds up)

Flights are short, but airports add waiting/security time. Still a good option if train prices are high.

🧳 Extra golden tip: luggage storage on travel days

If you check out of your hotel but want to explore before your next train:Most major train stations offer luggage storage.

• Average cost: €5–€10 per bag

• Common at central stations in Paris, London, Berlin, Vienna, Amsterdam

It lets you enjoy a final café, museum, or walk—hands free.

✨ Suggested “Golden Circle” Timeline (simple + realistic)

Day 1: Fly U.S. → Paris

Days 2–3: Paris (Dirk walk + Montmartre + Eiffel day/night)

Day 4: Eurostar Paris → London

Days 5–6: London (use our London walking blog + optional Windsor)

Day 7: Travel London → Amsterdam (Eurostar / Stena Line / flight)

Wedding days: Celebrate in The Netherlands

After: Fly home from Amsterdam